Introducing The Arcade

Blizzard Entertainment
|2016.11.15.

We’re always looking for ways to improve the Overwatch experience. After launch, we turned our attention to Competitive Play, giving those who were competition-oriented an arena to sharpen their skills. But we also want to give players a wider range of experiences, including (but certainly not limited to) new modes, maps, and mechanics.

To accomplish this, we've made some changes and expanded on Overwatch's Weekly Brawl! mode: introducing The Arcade.

The Arcade allows players to choose from a rotating selection of game modes, maps, and rulesets that don't quite fit into Quick Play or Competitive Play. Whether it's 1-on-1 duels or 3-on-3 skirmishes, our alternating selection of brawls (including special rulesets like "no hero switching"), you should have no problem finding a game that fits your mood. You'll earn experience just like any other mode, but you can also earn Arcade-specific rewards—like weekly Loot Boxes!

After seeing the positive effect that hero limits had on Competitive Play, we've decided to bring the one-hero limit to Quick Play as well. However, we understand that some players enjoy games where a five-Winston offense or a three-Symmetra defense is possible, so we're also introducing a new mode called No Limits. This mode can be accessed at any point via the Arcade and uses Quick Play's original rule set.

To kick the Arcade off with a bang, we've created a new, compact map that features multiple new game modes, including a 3-on-3 battle and 1-on-1 duel.

Bundle up for a journey to Ecopoint: Antarctica, the former Overwatch installation where climatologist Mei-Ling Zhou was once stationed. While researching severe weather anomalies in the region, the station was hit by an intense polar storm. Running out of options and low on supplies, the team decided to cryogenically freeze themselves until the storm passed. They believed that it would only be for a few months, but Mei awoke nearly a decade later.

Unlike our Assault, Escort, Control, and Assault/Escort maps, Ecopoint: Antarctica is an Arena map, which means that each match revolves around eliminating the opposing team before they eliminate you.

The Arcade is live right now, so group up and dive in. And as always, you can keep up with the latest Overwatch news—including any future Arcade updates—by liking, following, and subscribing to our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.